Join APALA at ALA Annual 2025 in Philadelphia!
Join us at some or all of our exciting events at ALAAC25 in Philadelphia!
APALA Friday Walking Tour
APALA invites members to a two-part walking tour on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 9:40 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT).
The first part is a guided walking detour of hidden Native Hawaiian history in Philadelphia uncovered in the archives of nupepa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Language newspapers. This “tour” redirects the viewer from the fantasy of Hawaiʻi being an isolated nation in the middle of the Pacific, revealing a history of travel, diplomacy, education, and military engagement in the City of Brotherly Love.
The second part will take us to Chinatown for a guided walking tour with Asian Americans United (AAU). Asian Americans United’s mission has been to grow leadership in Asian American communities to build our neighborhoods and unite against oppression. AAU will guide us through Chinatown’s historical sites, share oral stories from the “Our Chinatown” poster project, and impacted locations from displacement and gentrification. Learn more about the project and AAU at www.aaunited.org/our-chinatown
We’ll meet at Camp William Penn (1515 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102) at 9:40 AM.
The walking tour will take about 2.5 miles, so please dress comfortably, wear walking shoes, and bring a water bottle.
“He leo hoʻolaha no nā ʻōlelo noʻeau” (A voice of dissemination for the proverbs)
This proverb highlights the role of newspapers in spreading knowledge, wisdom, and cultural understanding.
Time: Meet at 9:40 AM; tour begins at 10 AM and will end between 12 PM
Where to Meet: Meet at Camp William Penn (1515 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102)
Cost: $10. The cost of this ticket will go towards supporting Asian Americans United (AAU).
Registration: Registration is required. Registration is required and limited to 20 individuals. Registration is limited to APALA members.
Lunch: Choose your own lunch adventure and support a local business in Chinatown! We’ll visit several “Our Chinatown” poster locations that might interest you for lunch after the walking tour.
APALA Celebrates The Whale Rider: Pacific Island Literature with Witi Ihimaera and Friends
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM EDT
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 123
Please join APALA and Penguin Random House to celebrate the classic Māori book “The Whale Rider,” slated for its first release with Penguin Classics USA late summer 2025. Originally published 38 years ago, “The Whale Rider” explores Indigenous family roles and tribal obligations through the relationship between eight-year-old Kahu, and her great-grandfather Koro Apirana, chief of their East Coast tribe. In 2002, the book was adapted as the award-winning film “Whale Rider,” for which Keisha Castle-Hughes became the second-ever Indigenous actress to be nominated for an Oscar.
The new hardback edition features a Foreword by Lily Gladstone, Introduction by Shilo Kino, and Contributions by Dr. Loriene Roy. We are thrilled to screen an exclusive welcome video from author Witi Ihimaera, followed by a live panel discussion on Indigenous Pacific Island publishing with Dr. Loriene Roy, Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada, Nicky Andrews, and Kaylin Melia George; moderated by APALA President Jaena Rae Cabrera.
Our generous partners at Penguin Random House will be offering giveaways including access to the new book and exclusive reading guides for librarians to lead book club discussion and programming for “The Whale Rider”. All are welcome for joyful discussion around Pacific Island storytelling and literary achievement.
APALA Literature Awards Banquet
Tickets are now live for the 2025 APALA Literature Awards Banquet!
We’re thrilled to invite you to the 2025 APALA Literature Awards Banquet, happening on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at the beautiful Crane Community Center in Philadelphia (1001 Vine Street).
Join us for an evening of celebration honoring the authors and illustrators whose works have been recognized by the Asian Pacific American Awards for Literature. This joyful gathering uplifts the voices that shape and reflect the diverse experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
Get your tickets now: https://www.zeffy.com/
There are several ticket options available:
- APALA Members
- Non-Members
- Supporters (pay-it-forward tier)
- Mutual Aid (reduced rate)
- You can also sponsor a student to attend for free!
Honorees will speak during the program, and space is limited—be sure to secure your spot early. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Please note that book signings by our award winners and honorees will NOT take place at the banquet, but are scheduled for the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) Membership Meeting, Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
APALA Membership Meeting & Literature Awards Book Signing
Join APALA’s executive board, committee members, and literature awards jury volunteers for a banquet recognizing this year’s cohort of outstanding Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander authors and illustrators. This annual tradition honors the valuable relationships between writers, artists, and librarians in giving voice to AANHPI cultures and experiences.
The Asian Pacific American Librarians Association membership meeting is an informal social for APALA members to gather and network. APALA members will have the opportunity to socialize and discuss issues pertaining to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander librarianship. It is also open to those interested in APALA membership.
This year, we’ll commemorate the 45th Anniversary of APALA. The Emerging Leaders Group will present a five-minute video project featuring interviews with past APALA presidents reflecting on the history of APALA and their time in leadership.
We’re excited to share that the Literature Awards book signing will be held after the membership meeting at 11:30 AM. This is an opportunity to meet the authors and get signed free copies of the Literature Award Winners.
Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
Location: Philadelphia Marriott, Franklin 12 & 13